Amanda Brown/The Star-LedgerJosh Lesser, a junior, (center) joined his fraternity brothers from Phi Delta Theta in setting up a memorial to Tyler Clementi at Brower Commons on the College Ave. campus of Rutgers-New Brunswick. Students were invited to write their condolences to Clementi's family.

RIDGEWOOD — The funeral for Tyler Clementi — the Rutgers University freshman who committed suicide after he was recorded by a secret webcam — will be private, his family said this afternoon.

"Needless to say, public attention has been intense," the family said in a written statement. "We ask that our request for privacy in this painful time continue to be respected."

Clementi, 18, of Ridgewood, jumped off the George Washington Bridge on Sept. 22, police said. His body was recovered Wednesday two miles north of the bridge and identified by medical examiners Thursday.

"The outpouring of emotion and support from our friends, community and family — and from people across the country — has been humbling and deeply moving. We thank each of you from the bottom of our hearts," the family's statement said.

Rutgers students start a memorial for Tyler ClementiRutgers students made their way to Brower Commons on the College Ave. Campus of Rutgers New Brunswick to a memorial that has been started for for Tyler Clementi. Students signed condolence cards for his family, and left flowers for the Rutgers freshman who committed suicide by jumping off of the George Washington Bridge. Clementi committed suicide after two other students had videotaped him secretly on a webcam. (Video by Amanda Brown/The Star-Ledger)